Our Colors are on the Rise

by reina.connected

[Formally Against the Grain] There is something dark brewing just beneath the surface of the quiet city of Townsville. [Dark crime/ romance/ mystery][multi-ship] [Rated M for language, violence, and gore.]

6. Part Six

Reluctantly Buttercup knocked on the frame of the open doorway into Ms. Keane's office. Without even looking up from her computer, the older woman gestured her in.

"Take a seat, I'm just wrapping some paperwork and emails up."

Returning back to the chair she'd previously been sitting in that afternoon, Buttercup dumped her backpack and stared at her sneakers, her left foot jittering nervously. Lunch had been extremely awkward for her, and she didn't like having to pretend to not know why Boomer decided to go to elsewhere that day. Bubbles had seemed pretty disappointed, did she like that weirdo or something?

The only good thing to happen today was that Bloss had let both her and Bubbles off the hook for coming to recover Grubber's body that evening. Said she'd gotten someone to assist and that they needed to 'focus on their studies more.' Bleh. Not like she was wrong but still. She was curious who else she'd gotten, if it was one of those damn Ruffs though… honestly, she didn't know how she felt about that.

Buttercup was relieved to not have to go back underground but also a bit pissed because she knew she could do her job better than any of those boys. Who else could it possibly be?

Fifteen minutes had passed before Ms. Keane closed her laptop and folded her hands on her desk, her brow furrowed with concern. Buttercup just shrank in her seat under the older woman's gaze. She'd fucked up.

"I- uh…" Buttercup lamely started, but Ms. Keane just brought her hand up in a 'stop' gesture and closed her eyes.

Sighing, Ms. Keane's shoulders dropped as she questioned, "I'm trying to understand why you were so unkind today. I understand when you were younger that the Rowdyruff Boys were not exactly… model citizens," picking her words carefully she continued, "but I'm shocked that you would be so cruel with someone who was chosen to help you."

Shifting uncomfortably, Buttercup kept her mouth tightly shut. Her foot continued jittering on the floor, she knew she had to curb it before it got out of hand and there was a dent in the floor.

"I can't help but be disappointed."

Cringing back slightly, Buttercup looked away for a moment, sucking in her cheeks and biting the flesh on the inside of her mouth. Knowing she'd disappointed one of the two most influential women in her life stung.

"I'm sorry, I just- "

Quickly she was interrupted, "I don't want you to tell me that you're sorry. You owe someone else an apology." Relaxing her shoulders, Ms. Keane wore a softer expression on her face as she probed for further information. "Is there something I don't know? Did Boomer say or do something that brought up a reaction like that?"

Abashedly Buttercup just shook her head, "it's not like that, but like," here she paused, and she knew she was the asshole. "He's just always around lately and I feel he and his brothers have been hovering and I- I'm supposed to be smarter than him, ya know?"

Leaning back in her chair, Ms. Keane decided to let the cuss word go for now but looked at the girl she'd watched grow up. "Who said you need to be smarter than him?"

Giving an exasperated expression, Buttercup's hands flew up, "everyone!" They sat there in silence for a few minutes, Buttercup holding her head in her hands and just staring at the floor. Ms. Keane tilted her head slightly when she heard the girl give a sigh.

Looking up and rather embarrassed, Buttercup lamented, "no one. I don't know."

Walking around her desk, Ms. Keane took a seat on the second chair beside Buttercup and leaned towards her, the woman's face was emoting a warm, motherly reassurance, "Just because you're having difficulty with something doesn't make him smarter than you, dear. It's like yours and your sisters' powers, you all excel with different things and that's okay."

They'd had similar talks like this when the girls were younger; she, the professor, and Ms. Bellum had all taken time to reassure the girls they were perfect just the way they were. It just had always been a competition between the three of them and now that an outsider was "threatening" her own view of herself it seemed like Buttercup just needed a reminder.

"I know it might sting a little, him being one of your counterparts, but in this case he's just another student." Pointedly she added, "a student who agreed to help you even after you were rather mean to him."

Quirking the corner of her mouth but not looking at Ms. Keane, Buttercup said to no one in particular, "I was a real asshole."

Patting Buttercup on the knee before standing up and returning to the chair behind her desk, Ms. Keane simply replied, "now I am not going to confirm or deny that statement of yours," wirily she looked at Buttercup who was more sheepish looking and faintly wore a smile, "but regardless, I know you can fix it."

Giving another sigh, Buttercup leaned her chin onto her hand, "I doubt it, he was really pissed at me when we left the office."

"Are you genuinely sorry?"

"…yeah."

"Then apologize and mean it." Opening her desk drawer up, Ms. Keane scribbled something into a notebook on her desk before adding, "I'll check in on you later this week and you can let me know how it went."

"So, I'm done?" She was rather disbelieving, having had detention a few times in middle school she knew it was usually longer.

"We've had a productive discussion I feel, and as I said, I will be checking in on you."

Standing up and swinging her backpack over her shoulder there was a weary look of relief on Buttercup's face. "Thanks, Ms. K."

Ms. Keane always worried about the girls, and she also always appreciated her time with them. Maybe she should suggest a lunch date with Ms. Bellum and the three, just to have some "girl time" away from any superhero or school expectations. Simply she nodded as Buttercup exited the office, noticing her step looked a little lighter and just maybe her shoulders weren't so tense.

The distinct relief in her chest was quickly flooded by more uncertainty and guilt as she walked back down the hall. With the school practically empty, Buttercup made a quick stop at her locker, picking out the books she needed for that night's assignments. If Blossom was letting her off the hook for that corpse retrieval, then she'd better actually finish some work.

With a sharp zip of her bag she kicked her already dented locker door shut, beginning to trudge back down the hall. She had Boomer's number so technically she could call him? Just the thought of that made her want to puke. Hell no. Doing it in person didn't feel any better though, she didn't want to get that look again from him.

Like he wanted to crush her windpipe in his hands.

All the hair on the back of her neck rose, giving a small shake of her head she pulled out her cell phone and scrolled through her texts. Bubbles had already bombarded her about when she would be home, she couldn't blame her sister for not wanting to be alone but they kind of had a full house at this time. She'd be fine until she got home. She went into her contacts and found Boomer's, maybe texting would be a better option? Coward.

Stepping out of the front of the school and out onto the courtyard, Buttercup noticed a few more students leaving and a freshman scuttling back inside with a completely loaded backpack. Exhaling through her nose in a humored gesture, Buttercup started down the steps. As her foot hit the bottom of the courtyard she froze, sitting on one of the stone ledges that ran around one of the trees was Boomer. He was just plucking away at some strings on a ukulele, looking at a paper that was on the stone beside him.

Did he see her? She peered at him cautiously; the slight breeze ruffled his hair slightly and his eyes were concentrating on the sheet beside him, his fingers swiftly picking away at notes. No, he didn't see her. Buttercup felt her gut sink down, her hand moved over to her stomach in an instinctive manner and she exhaled slowly.

This wasn't like apologizing to her sisters or Mitch, this was someone she actually didn't know all that well. If he didn't accept her apology then there was nothing she could do about it, they didn't really have any emotional ties… but that steady nagging in the back of her head and sinking feeling were not going to go away on their own.

Strap on your big girl pants. Swallowing that sour lump in her throat she marched her ass over there, but noticed her hands had defensively moved into her jean pockets and her head was bowed slightly. Just as the shade from the tree hit her face she stopped; she was a few feet in front of him but he didn't look up.

"Hey." Buttercup hated this kind of shit.

"Hey." He still didn't look at her, just continued with the strung-out melody that was in front of him.

Her face burned with this, she was mad because he wouldn't look at her when she came here to apologize, although it's not like he even knew that that's what she was trying to do. Her hands were out and she raised them while she inhaled and lowered with the exhale. "I came to say I'm sorry," she saw that one blue eye flick up at her.

Carefully he put the instrument down on the sheet music he'd been leaning over and crossed his arms to look at her. She couldn't blame him for looking skeptical, she wasn't known to apologize. In fact, she took pride in standing by her convictions.

Gesturing to herself she rocked back on her heels nervously, "I was a real asshole and you didn't deserve that."

"Yeah." His voice was monotone and blunt, but Boomer wasn't scowling or giving her that look she'd gotten earlier.

The side of her mouth quirked down slightly, but she pushed forward as she landed back on the balls of her feet and kept herself planted and fists by her side. "I was embarrassed that I needed help," she saw him make a face and open his mouth, but she stopped him quickly before he could interrupt, "any help." He closed his mouth and leaned back slightly; his arms still crossed.

"I know you're not dumb and it was shitty of me to say that." Why was apologizing and explaining how she felt so fucking difficult? Ugh. "But seriously, I just want you to know that I'm really sorry and that I'm a fucking asshole and if you don't want to help me out or whatever," you know, the fact that they hung out, "then I get it."

Buttercup's mouth screwed up slightly, uncomfortable with his silence and the sound of other students milling around. Were they here to witness her humiliation? Even though she meant it, and they were technically alone, she still didn't want to give anyone reason to gossip about her. Jerking back slightly when Boomer outstretched his hand to her, Buttercup met his serious gaze. She wasn't falling into that ocean abyss, but she could feel every fiber underneath her skin coming to attention. This was important.

"I appreciate your apology but," oh fuck, "don't pull that again, I take enough shit from the guys and other people already. I'm not dumb."

Taking shit from his brothers was normal, they knew he was smart, but they could get under his skin and sometimes took it too far. Other people doubted him too, all the time, but their outlook on him never mattered. He might be spacey at times and blurt the first thing that comes to his mind but it didn't make him dumb.

"We're cool." He said it so nonchalantly she had half expected him to brush her off.

Her shoulders relaxed as they shook hands, no dancing green or dark blue sparks, just a sincere handshake. The smile on her lips was hesitant but his face relaxed as they parted and he picked up his instrument again.

"Sooo… what's up with that?" She gestured towards the ukulele.

Looking up at her, Boomer simply stated, "Bubbles mentioned wanting to do a duet for the Spring Showcase in April and since we'll both already be in it," band and choir respectively, "we decided to team up."

Jeeze, maybe that girl did have a crush on Boomer. Weirdo. "Sounds… real exciting." She offered a cheerful tone but just missed it.

His own lips turned into a wiry smirk and he rose an eyebrow, "you're not hurting my feelings if you tell me the truth." He gave a short chuckle before standing up and popping his sheet and the tiny instrument back into his bag.

"Bubbles is gonna drive you completely crazy, I promise," Buttercup joked.

Boomer seemed to catch the attention of someone else as he gave a wave, turning her head towards whoever it was, Buttercup was only mildly surprised to see Mike and Mitch walking over. Crossing her arms she gave Mitch a quick up and down, "wow, out on good behavior?"

Giving her a crooked grin, Mitch took two big steps and gave a friendly punch to her bicep, "glad to see you waited for me all these years, Butters."

While she waved him off Mike finished his approach and chose to fill them in, "I bugged Mr. Adelstein that I needed him for our group project. Trust me when I say that Mitch would never be released on his own otherwise."

Buttercup perked up at the teacher's name, "wait, did you break something in shop?" It was probably her favorite class, in fact, Mr. A had helped her restore a vintage Vespa scooter she'd found at a flea market. It was her pride and joy, but she didn't get to take it out very often.

Mike rolled his eyes when Mitch feigned dramatic hurt, "how could you even suggest such a thing?" Turning his back to Buttercup he winked at Boomer over his other shoulder and that just caused Boomer to shake his head.

"You're driving, right?" Boomer asked Mike.

Fishing his keys out of his pocket and holding them up, Mike gave a nod, "let's knock this presentation out."

So, Boomer had been waiting for the guys, not like that bothered Buttercup or anything.

"I'll catch you losers tomorrow," She gave a two fingered salute as she rose in the air. Mitch grinned and gave her the finger while Boomer and Mike just gave a raise of their hands before turning to walk over to the parking lot.

As she flew home, something she didn't always do but loved nonetheless, she felt lighter. Not because she was in the air, her chest- that was what felt lighter. She was still going to be herself but at least now she had an idea of who Boomer was. That wasn't a kid she'd ever really seen before.

~ o ~ o ~ o ~ o ~

~ o ~ o ~ o ~ o ~

Landing quietly in the dark alley, Butch straightened and looked around cautiously before taking a few steps through the stacks of broken wooden crates and long discarded wrappers. The air smelled like gasoline and smoke, distant sounds of music floated through the night from inside brick buildings. People shuffling on the sidewalk, in and out of bars and clubs, most not yet drunk but on their way. On a Monday? Well, who was he to judge? Everyone had their ways to cope. Walking down a few doors he pulled at his leather jacket, he looked at the downstairs business, The Clubhouse, but he was here for the other one.

Ace with Snake as a partner had opened a nightclub in the city three years ago with a marijuana dispensary downstairs. Big Billy was security, Lil' Arturo ran the downstairs during the day and Grubber usually bartended in the club. They'd found what they were good at and it never ceased to impress Butch that they actually made something of themselves. But with realization he had to stop. Grubber wouldn't be bartending anymore.

The entrance to the nightclub was through two large glass doors that opened into a lobby, there were a few flights of stairs in addition to an elevator for those who couldn't take the stairs. The lobby was always packed Thursday thru Saturdays, Butch usually saw Big Billy down here monitoring but for an off night… guess people could come to the main door. Climbing up the first flight he saw the bored looking woman at coat check, she was sitting and flipping through a magazine.

Her eyes flicked up briefly at Butch, she eyed him curiously but asked, "wanna check your coat?"

He held up his hand, "nah, I'm good."

She continued to stare him down, he could feel her eyes on his back. A heat rose on the back of his neck, why wouldn't she just go back to her fucking magazine? Up the last flight of steps he was in front of two black steel doors, he knocked on one and a small window slid back. One bright blue eye blinked out and down, Butch always forgot how damn tall Billy was. The crinkle around his eyes told him that there'd be a grin on Billy's face when he opened the door.

Quickly the little window slammed shut and the unlocking of the door was heard when Billy swung the door open, his arms out wide.

"Butch!" The giant of a man was grinning, he scooped Butch up into a bone crushing hug that he just managed to wheeze through. Plopping him down, Billy ushered Butch into the club without even bothering to ID him. Why would he? It was his good buddy Butch! Butch was always allowed to come visit.

Billy locked the door behind them, and for the first time Butch noticed a small Indian woman standing on the side of the door. She wore an all black get up similar to Billy's. Ace had insisted on Billy taking up weightlifting but he was still a heavyset man, this woman though, she looked like she could crack a walnut with her biceps, or crush a watermelon between her thighs.

"He doesn't look old enough," her voice was smooth and had a melodic quality to it, like a mother soothing a child to sleep. Her eyes were a sharp and icy blue, and right now they were narrowed on Butch.

"Butch is Big Billy's friend." Billy just put it simply and Butch clapped a hand on Billy's arm.

"Yep," well, he wanted to get this done now. "I need to talk to Ace, do you know where I can find him, Billy?"

"He's in his office," but before he led Butch away he stopped and looked at the woman and gave her a thumbs up. She spared him a small smile and returned it. As Billy and Butch walked across the grey laminate wood floors he happily said, "Delphine is real nice."

Sparing one last look at the woman over his shoulder he caught her giving him the universal signal for, 'I got my eyes on you,' and he whipped his head back around with a grimace. "She seems like a real peach."

The club, aptly named Humility, was by far one of the most interesting clubs in town. It was dark, but the bar and dance floor were a shimmering black onyx. All the bottles behind the bar were illuminated and the shelving reached almost to the ceiling. There was a wall lined with booths with pristine white seating, and while it had a very industrial feel to it there was also a classic elegance that kept bringing in new blood. Plus they had a damn good DJ.

Butch spied across the room that Snake was bartending along with another woman he didn't recognize, no more than 20 patrons at the bar or sitting in the booths but it was only 8pm. Night was still beginning for the partiers.

A winding black iron staircase wound its way up to a separate room that overlooked the majority of the club, but the black blinds were clamped shut. Butch was going tell Billy he could take it from there but the large man was surprisingly graceful while he led the way up the steps and onto a long platform. Butch pulled in right behind Billy as he knocked on the frosted glass door and then opened it.

"Um, boss, you got a visitor."

Moving into the doorway Butch noted the slightly dim lighting in the room, and massive desk on the far side with two overstuffed chairs in front of it. There was a long couch against the far wall, a glass coffee table in the center and two more lounge chairs around that. Everything was touched up with an intricate Persian rug and all black walls, old photos spread out across the wall without windows showed the gang as teens up through opening the club and dispensary, and even with a few high-class guests.

"Damn, dude, whose silver spoon did you have to yank for all of this?" Butch stepped into the office and looked around, impressed at the taste that Ace had cultivated. When they got together it was typically at the dispensary below, he'd never been in the actual club side before.

Lowering his shades, Ace gave a smirk, "well if it isn't it da baron 'imself, take a seat," he stood up from behind the desk and walked around, anyone else would seem cheesy in the white suit pants and black button down but Ace made it work. Butch sat at the long leather couch, pleasantly surprised that it was on the firmer side. Ace poured himself a drink from a bar cart in the corner before sitting down across from him, his legs elegantly crossed, "what can I do fo' ya?"

Hesitant since Billy was still standing in the doorway, Butch leaned forward, his elbows on his knees. Ace was watching him carefully, and that strained and tired look that hung around his eyes was a massive reminder of how he and his brothers had been feeling when looking for Mojo. This was going to fucking suck.

"I have some news for ya," Butch started, his gaze was intent.

Picking up on this serious note Ace looked over at Billy, "'ay, Billy, why don'cha accompany Lil' Arturo to tha' bank? He should be done countin' by now."

Blinking that blue eye Billy couldn't hide his disappointment, he wanted to spend time with his friend and his boss too, but he also didn't want anyone trying to get a jump on Arturo. "Yeah, okay, boss." He gave a sad wave to Butch, "see you later, Butch." The younger man returned it right before the door closed being the massive man.

Now standing, Ace walked behind his own chair to pull on the wooden handle, the slats opening so that Ace could watch Billy cross the club. His voice was low. "Did ya' find 'im?"

Butch didn't stand, he just looked at the slim man's back, the tension of his shoulders was clear. Like a guitar string that was strung too tightly. "Yeah, man, down in the old part of Townsville. In the underground."

"And?" His voice was hollow, he knew what was coming.

"Grubber is dead."

That's all Butch got to say before the glass went flying into the corner of the room, shards scattered and amber whiskey splashed on the floor and walls. Butch jumped up as Ace grabbed a brass paperweight and smashed it into the glass table. With his arm up, Butch was behind a green barrier as he watched Ace grab one end of the table remains and with little difficulty threw it into the glass door.

"Fuckin' Goddamnit! How tha' fuck!?" He pounded his fists into the heavy desk surface, "fuck, fuck, fuck, fuck!" The yell that followed made the hairs on the back of Butch's neck stand up on end. This was grief. This is what he had anticipated on feeling and still might, if they couldn't pull Mojo back to rights.

He lowered his shield just in time to hear footsteps thundering up the steps, and with difficulty the door pushed open, sliding the table remains across the floor. There stood Snake, his eyes wide as he looked at his boss.

"What isssss it? What happened?" The man cast a glare at Butch who just showed the palms of his hands as a sign that he hadn't done any of this. Closing the door behind him, Snake walked into the room, glass crunching beneath his shoes.

"Bosssssss?" That speech impediment would never fade away.

"Jus' go." Ace's voice was low and both Snake and Butch exchanged looks, unsure of who he was addressing.

It became clear when, after a moment he followed up with, "I need ya' to keep tings runnin' smoothly down dere."

Backing off Snake gave Butch another wary look before turning around, "you got it, bosssss." Quickly Snake left the room and Butch could hear the base as the music increased. Even though this room was pretty well soundproofed, it wasn't perfect apparently.

They stood like that for a few minutes before Ace practically croaked out, "do ya' know who did it?"

Awkwardly, Butch shifted, "Ace, it's not anything you can fight."

Whirling around the anger on the man's face was clear as day, "I can do what'eva I need ta' do. Jus' tell me who da' fuck I'm goin' afta'." That anger was roiling, red and pulsating, but beneath that was mostly grief. His eyes were wet, his glasses were on the desk and unable to mask what was really going on inside of him.

Placating, Butch said, "I need you to trust me, this… thing, it's on a whole other level, man." He held up his scabby palms and pointed to the scab that pulled along his own face, "Chemical X can't even withstand the damage it does, this was two days ago. You can't go after it."

"Dat don' mean-," but before Ace could finish Butch was interrupting him.

"Leave it alone, Ace." His voice was so calm it caught the older man off guard for a moment, "leave it alone or else Grubber won't be the only one who ends up dead."

Now those were words to make Ace slump against his desk, his arms crossed weakly over his chest as he stared at the broken glass on the rug. His boys, these guys were his family. He wanted to destroy whatever had killed Grubber but he couldn't, in good conscience, let the rest of his gang be harmed or end up dead.

"Are ya' gonna kill it?" Ace asked.

Butch crossed over the shattered glass, clapping a hand on Ace's shoulder, "I'm gonna fuckin' try."

Nodding slowly Ace pursed his lips as if he wanted to say more but he seemed to change his mind, offering a simple, "good," instead.

Lately it felt like everywhere Butch was going the air was crawling with tension, he was getting a full blown education in reading emotions and his own empathy.

"You need to go down to the precinct tomorrow, ya know, make an ID and all that."

Sneering, Ace said, "didn' know ya' started workin' fo' Townsville's finest."

Giving him a level look he replied, "how the fuck do you think we got down there? We had to ask for some… outside assistance." He crossed his own arms and grumbled at the end of his statement. He'd really been against involving the girls, but now he was right in the thick of it with them.

Quietly Ace seemed dazed, "you an' ya brothas' are workin' wit da Powerpuffs?" He snorted through his nose and doubled over with laughter, Butch jumped and stared at the man. This was a whole kaleidoscope of emotions happening tonight. "So when youse go out do ya wear matchin' uniforms too?"

Defensively he said, "not like that! Jeeze, man…" he scowled as Ace wiped a tear away and collected himself.

"I needed dat'," he turned and gave a half-hearted smile to Butch, but it was gone in a flash as he got back to the issue at hand. "I'll go, they ain't gonna arrest me or nuthin'?"

"Did you do anything illegal?"

"Well, are we talkin' US of A illegal or intea'national?"

Smacking his forehead Butch finally had an idea of what Brick felt like dealing with him and Boom. "I was told to tell you to ask for Chief Rosa, that's all."

"Dat lady is a real hardass."

"I wouldn't know," Butch shrugged, "never met her before."

"Den youse a lucky bastard."

Both of them leaned against the desk for a few minutes, the sound of the bass in the club was the only thing disrupting the silence between the two. Pushing off the desk, Butch walked a few steps while Ace slid his glasses back onto his face.

"You gonna tell the guys?"

"Soon. Lata' tonight."

He understood why he was waiting, but he wasn't sure if he would look Big Billy in the eye (ha ha) and not feel like he was lying to the guy. Big Billy might be slow, but he was a good dude. Plus he was harmless unless Ace ordered something of him.

Straightening himself a bit more Ace asked, "if ya wanna jus' take off from da roof dats fine by me."

"Lead the way," Butch stepped aside as Ace finished pushing the mangled table remains to the side and opened the door. He seemed to be shaking his head at his own actions, but Butch doubted that Ace would ever feel bad for acting on his emotions like that. They walked down the rest of the platform, passing above the dancefloor and going behind a painted airduct.

Now the club was disappearing as they went into two additional backrooms with some supplies they came upon a small set of steps and a heavy metal door that no doubt led to the roof. Stopping in the hall Ace turned to Butch with an outstretched hand, "thanks, fo' lettin' me know."

Shaking his hand Butch said, "stick together when you can, and I'm serious when I said to go see the chief tomorrow." He didn't need Blossom trying to kick his ass or Brick being disappointed that he couldn't do 'one simple job'.

"Make sure youse destroy dat 'ting," Ace reminded him as he released his hand. Butch solemnly nodded back and gave a two finger salute that he was off. Pushing open the roof door he took a few steps forward, the door slammed shut and the wind whipped his hair around.

Inhaling deeply, he crouched low and grabbed his knees, exhaling slowly. The emptiness of the night air was washing away the flooding of emotion that had been dropped onto him. Why was he sad? Seeing Ace react like he lost more than a limb, maybe? Knowing that he could've been like that if they had found Mojo dead? Remembering the searing pain and fear those creatures burned into his skin? He needed to be harder, five years ago this would've felt like nothing and now?

What the fuck?

~ o ~ o ~ o ~ o ~

~ o ~ o ~ o ~ o ~

Why was there so much traffic here? It was 7pm, shouldn't people be at home having dinner with their kids? Brick was grumbling as he slowly crept by several police cars and a massive van with the word 'coroner' scrawled across it. He'd expected that but there was also a news truck with one of the field reporters touching up her makeup just outside.

Almost wishing he had opted to fly instead of drive (because, of course he wanted to be less conspicuous) he was about to try for a parking garage further down the block when a little ways up, a car in front of the coroner's van pulled out. Quickly maneuvering before additional tape could be put up, Brick slid his car awkwardly into the spot. This could be fixed. This was fine. He was pinching the bridge of his nose when he heard someone rapt their knuckles on his window.

Not even bothering to look he pulled his keys out of the ignition and jammed his phone into the center console. Swiftly he exited and locked the car door before eyeing the officer who was standing before him with an annoyed expression. The two could be emotional mirrors.

"I'll need you to move further down the block, son, Townsville PD and approved vehicles only." To Brick this guy had a toad-like appearance about him, he was older with a heavy lower jaw and thick lips that just looked like they were about to unleash a tongue and snag a fly out of the air.

"I'm here with Re-ah, Blossom Utonium. I'm assisting with the situation." He had such a habit of referring to her with his own little nickname that he'd nearly let it slip just now.

The man looked skeptical, "yeah, sure, kid."

If there was one thing Brick really despised it was being talked down to; also being addressed as "son" or "kid" since he sure as hell wasn't either. His eyes blazed, and he knew that red glow was emitting from them but this officer wasn't backing down. Brick noticed one wheel was slightly out of the line so he turned and lifted the back end of the car with ease to put it closer to the curb. Looking back at the now surprised officer he stated, "you can take it up with the chief then, I really don't have time for this bullshit."

His hat was jammed tightly on his head as he strode down the sidewalk, the worst they were going to do was ticket him anyways, he was blocked in by two other crown vicks, undoubtedly other officers on the job. Marching up the granite steps to the bank he noticed Blossom was standing next to the woman who must be Chief Rosa.

She had her hair in that high ponytail, tied off with her trusted red ribbon, but she was in the uniform the girls wore during patrols or other public events. He wondered now if he was going to get an earful, she'd told him to wear something clean and comfortable so he'd opted for gym clothes. Dark gray joggers, his black running shoes, and a maroon shirt made of that breathable sport material. Blossom looked like the pro she was while he looked like he was about to hit the gym.

Lifting her head, Blossom noticed Brick standing on the top steps, she lifted a hand to wave him over. The chief turned to see who was approaching, her dark eyes widening only slightly as she recognized the more matured person who had been in the photo she'd seen over the weekend. As Brick came to a stop by the two he noticed that Blossom seemed to be checking him out. "See something you like, Red?" One brow lifted as he gave half a smirk.

Miranda made a sound like a snort out of her nose when she lifted her hand to cover her mouth, stunned by the bold statement to someone as powerful as Ms. Utonium was. Blossom rolled her eyes, flushing only slightly, "you wish, Ruff. I was just checking to make sure you're aptly dressed."

Holding his arms out he gestured at himself, "so do I pass?"

Looking away she grumbled, "you look fine, I guess."

Satisfied with making the leader of the Powerpuffs a little flustered he put his hands in his pockets and looked over at Miranda who was now quite composed. "Sorry about running late, one of your men was giving me trouble while I was parking." Remembering his manners, Brick held his hand out to Miranda, "I'm sure Red already told you, I'm Brick Jojo."

There was no hesitation when Miranda clasped his hand with her own and gave him a firm shake, "I'm Chief Rosa, thanks for coming out on such short notice." Miranda dropped his hand and seemed to look around them for a moment, "let me add your car to our list of approved vehicles." She pulled out her phone and quickly dialed, "hey, I have another car to add to the list." She paused, then nodded at Brick, "what are we looking at?"

"Subaru Impreza WRX, gunmetal, it's an older model." Just so they didn't think they were looking for anything flashy. "I'm a few cars ahead of the coroner's vehicle."

"Alright, Matsuo, did- okay. Yes, right by the coroner's van." She paused again as her lieutenant seemed to be saying something, "Gunmetal? That's gray right?"

Brick wanted to interrupt that they were NOT the same color, he'd spent weeks finding the perfect color for his car's paintjob. It's wasn't gray, damnit! Gunmetal had a sheen that gray simply didn't have and was darker than the standard gray.

"Thanks, yeah, just tear up the ticket and let Officer Jones know. Great, see you shortly." Miranda hung up the phone and put it back into her bulletproof vest. She hated wearing these things but Blossom had insisted. Just in case.

"Alright, so just to get things clear," Miranda started and looked levelly at both teens, "you two will work together on this? You're sure your sisters don't need to be here?" The second question was definitely directed at Blossom who cautiously glanced at Brick before nodding.

"Brick is perfectly capable." Wow, what a compliment.

Not wanting to be outdone, Brick let those red sparks dance down his forearms before his hand ignited in a red glow, "I'll try not to impress you too much that a former criminal might be more accommodating than you think." He knew he was being a smartass, but he was also right.

Taking a look at his hand, Miranda waved it off, "okay, okay, no need to have a dick measuring contest." Blossom was practically aghast, her face bright red as her hand flew to her chest.

"Excuse me, what!? We are doing no such thing!" But Brick howled with laughter.

Pointing at her he cackled, "you should see your face, Red! Man, who knew someone besides Butch could make you do that!"

"Knock it off, Brick!"

While the two teens exchanged a few verbal barbs Miranda had to admit, they really were just kids. They might have superpowers and special abilities, but they were still only kids. That was a frightening concept. Although she'd never loved the damage the girls could cause when fighting monsters she had never stopped to look at the fact that they'd seen a whole hell of a lot that many kids their age didn't have to.

Those photos of the body, even she didn't have the stomach to deal with that all day. It was horrifying, and she did wonder how many corpses the girls had come across in their 12 years of crime fighting. It was probably in the police records but that wasn't something she needed to worry herself with at this time.

Miranda's thoughts were interrupted by Detective Bryant walking up and putting a hand on her shoulder, "we got a problem, chief." His bulletproof vest was completely unfastened over his t-shirt and she gave him a pointed look.

"What is it now?" But before Bryant could say anything the bank president came marching up, his tie was less than perfect and it looked like he had a tear in his fine blazer. Quickly Miranda hissed, "what did you do?" But Byrant grimaced before moving aside and allowing the president to reach the chief.

"Chief Rosa, this is an absolute disgrace! Your… your brutish staff just carved a chunk of 200 year old marble out of my vault floor! Are you aware this is a historic site? That you are committing a crime?" Spittle was flying out of his mouth and the chief made an obvious wipe on the front of her vest.

"Mr. Westin, please," Miranda held her hands up to silence him. "I understand you're upset but we both know that the floor was put in roughly 50 years ago, I believe your father was warned about this possibility if he did not keep the hatch exposed."

Sputtering, Mr. Westin continued, "that is hardly the point! I was assured by your department that no damage was to come to my bank."

Miranda hadn't heard the approach of Matsuo but the man was beside her and looking at his phone, "yes, but that was before we had to get a warrant to access the vault, thankfully Judge Mathias saw the urgency to recover a corpse that is involved in an ongoing investigation over your insured floors."

The lieutenant's face was serene, and he spoke it so matter-of-factly that Mr. Westin just huffed and pointed a finger at Miranda, "my lawyer will be in touch," before he spun and marched off.

This was the first time Brick had really been this close to a scene like this, he glanced at Blossom who looked almost bored at the conversation going on, her arms crossed, and hip cocked slightly. "Yo, Red," she turned her head to look at Brick, that long ponytail swinging behind her in a smooth arch, "all your crime scenes like this?"

Tilting her head slightly she gave a half-hearted shrug, "I tend to stay out of it as much as possible unless my sisters or myself are directly involved." She paused as they both watched the adults discuss plans before saying, "the politics are something I'm still learning."

"Are you two ready?" Brick came out of his own thoughts as Miranda looked to both of them, he glanced at Blossom who came to full attention and nodded.

"I'm good to go."

"Me too." He really wasn't sure though what this would entail at all.

Walking over to the open bank doors the small group began to enter when suddenly a camera lens was pushed in front of Brick's face. A woman was smiling too brightly, and there was a smudge of red lipstick on her right tooth, her shirt was impossibly white and crisp and the bright blue blazer and pants hurt his eyes.

"What can you comment on this investigation for our viewers? What are your ties to the Powerpuff Girls?"

"What?" He sounded blindsided, and he was, as he lifted his forearm to shield his face from the reporter's intense gaze. Brick looked over at Blossom who now just looked uncomfortable and awkward as the woman was leaning over and spouting questions.

Raising her hands she babbled, "uh, no comment please, I-I need to be going-," it was always Bubbles that dealt with the press, she knew how to turn them around or away. Blossom might be the leader but she preferred to keep interviews to magazines only and with both her sisters and their publicist nearby.

Detective Bryant was behind Brick and the man's voice was booming with false cheer, "you know we don't take kindly to tabloid publicity, Cynthia. You're better off heading into downtown outside of the Morbucks Hotel."

Just at the mention of tabloids Brick was pissed, he grabbed the camera and forced it down, his eyes blazing intensely at the froggy-cameraman. "I don't do interviews." Flexing his hand, he tightened on the camera and the outer protective case cracked.

"H-hey, what're you doing? This is property of Townsville News 1!"

The woman, clearly Cynthia, lowered her mic and crossed her arms. The look she gave Bryant was scathing, that bright smile didn't leave her face and she looked almost manic, "I was hired by News 1 two weeks ago, I don't work for Towniez anymore."

Shrugging, Bryant moved himself between Blossom and the reporter, she took this opportunity to grab Brick's wrist that was gripping the camera. He was surprised at how soft but firm her hand was and he looked over at her. "Let's go," she whispered. Without saying anything or looking back at the cameraman Brick released the camera and let Blossom pull him into the bank.

He wasn't listening to whatever Detective Bryant was saying to the two encroachers, his attention fixed on Blossom's swinging ponytail as he let her drag him over to the teller desks. Quickly she released his wrist, "sorry about that," she looked flustered and nervously fluffed her bangs. "Bubbles is the one that handles those people, I just hate dealing with the press."

Before he could say anything else Miranda approached them with the lieutenant at her side. "I'm sure you know my lieutenant, Ms. Utonium." She gestured to the man while he nodded in agreement as did Blossom.

"Yes, Lieutenant Matsuo and I have met many times."

"I practically witnessed the girls grow up while I was on the force," looking at Alex Matsuo it was difficult to tell his exact age. He had a few crows feet by his eyes but otherwise his skin was smooth and even, his black hair was short and styled off to the side, and his body was lean and trim. The dude could be in his thirties? But just by his title and the tired look behind his eyes, Brick knew he was older than that.

The lieutenant turned as he felt Brick scrutinizing his appearance, one dark brow rose, "I also recall when you are your brothers were terrorizing the citizens, Mr. Jojo."

Narrowing his eyes at the man Brick was about to snap when the man's expression softened and a look of approval moved across his features, following up with, "it's good to see you've matured into a responsible young man." Embarrassed, Brick lowered his eyes to the floor, there hadn't been any sarcasm in the man's voice and so Brick just shrugged.

"Yeah."

Amused, Matsuo turned to Miranda, "shall we get started?" She gestured for the teens to follow them and they walked around the teller desks. Behind those was a set of stairs that led downwards and into a long hall with an office and three vaults.

The largest vault, was of course, at the very end. It was ajar and there were a few forensic specialists waiting in addition to other heavily geared up officers and a heavy duty crane that was weighted down in the center of the large vault. It appeared that they had emptied the vault of anything valuable in order to have access to it, which was probably for the best. Two coroners stood to the side with their own kits and a camera slung around one of their necks. Ushering the teens in front of her, Miranda stood at the entrance of the vault, three officers guarding from above.

"Now listen up, people, I want full cooperation when we go down there. We stay between Ms. Utonium and Mr. Jojo while we are down there unless they signal otherwise. Be careful, don't remove anything that isn't deemed as evidence, and do not create a lot of sound."

Brick glanced over at Blossom who was deadpan and serious at the moment with both hands on her hips, he hadn't ever seen her in "work mode" as an.. almost adult, and it was very different than the pink dress wearing kid he and his brothers used to fight all the time.

"Carmichael and Santiago will follow with Dr. Kelpner, Morrison, James and Reed. Lieutenant Matsuo will take up the rear with Mr. Jojo while I take lead with Ms. Utonium since she knows of the body's location." Two officers, two forensic agents, and the coroners nodded in understanding, they had been made aware earlier that it could be very dangerous underground.

"Morgan," a young officer perked up at the sound of her name, "you, along with Detective Bryant and Milo will stay here and man the crane along with monitoring the immediate area." The woman deflated slightly but nodded in compliance.

"Yes, ma'am," and she looked over at the engineer who was operating the crane, Milo just grinned with a gap tooth smile and gave the chief a thumbs up.

"You got it!" His enthusiasm was refreshing for the seriousness of the moment at hand, and Blossom felt her lips relax enough to form a small smile. This was going to be fine, things were going to be fine. The group that Chief Miranda had assembled were all seemingly responsible and eager to do their jobs, and ultimately that's what she needed to see.

"Detective Bryant should be back here shortly, remember you can radio us, but I am not sure if we'll be able to get a signal once we're down there." Miranda turned to Blossom, "ready when you are."

Sweeping her hand in front of her, Blossom edged out further from the ladder and where the tunnel was. The only thing she saw were the sneaker footprints from Butch and Bubbles from the other day, no clawed feet, no other imprints, just theirs. The bright pink glow that she held ahead of her kept her calm, there were no signs of this area being disturbed other than those.

"We're clear," she announced, hearing Chief Rosa giving commands up above and the sound of the crane lowering the stretcher with the body bag. A sharp streak of noise came up from behind her, turning slightly she wasn't surprised to see Brick peering around, his own hands ignited in the dark.

"So what's the call?" Brick looked at Blossom, he knew this was her area of expertise, but he also knew what Butch had told him. Especially since he made his brother go into extensive detail Sunday morning after some training.

Shifting her stance, Blossom said, "light barriers, if we can, for as long as we can." She saw him grimace but nod and she said, "both Bubbles and Butch seemed adamant that it's our light based attacks that will keep us safe, barriers for any extended duration are not my specialty, but once we get everyone into the building that the body is in," referring to it as Grubber made it feel almost too personal. Like those things had truly infiltrated her life and safety. "We should be able to stand back to back and just be prepared."

Brick lifted his head slightly and bit the inside of his cheek, this was going to be a long night. "Alright, Red, I'm following you on this."

As they had been talking the small group had made their ways down the ladder, flashlights clicking on and a grunt as someone hoisted a large standing floodlight onto their shoulders. Miranda had been the first of her team to descend after Brick had flown after blossom, and so she watched them talk at a distance away from the others. After seeing their earlier interaction Miranda didn't doubt that they were discussing their own game plan for down here, especially after being out here already.

Matsuo approached Miranda and put a hand on her shoulder, she turned to look at him and he stated, "everyone is down and ready to go." She looked around him and noticed the coroners holding the stretcher between them, the other officers looking around while one held the flood light, and the forensic team pulling cameras out of their bags.

"Let's do this." Walking up to Brick and Blossom, Miranda announced, "we're ready when you are." The young man just looked at her for a moment before lifting his eyes to see Matsuo getting everyone into formation before he moved off.

"Before I forget," Blossom said, looking pointedly at the analysts, "the sneaker prints in this particular tunnel are my sister's and one of Brick's brothers. They can take a photo but it won't be in connection to these creatures."

Twisting her head, Miranda looked at the analysts, calling back, "you get all that?" Elise James, gave a thumbs up and Jeff Reed just nodded. Turning back to Blossom, Miranda said, "ready."

Blossom let a small smile quirk the corner of her mouth before clapping both hands to pull a large 8x10 wall of pink light in front of her, bright magenta sparks sizzled out of her fingertips as she seemed to slide her hands into a more comfortable position. Miranda felt a small gust of wind and she could hear the electric current behind her humming as well, and as much of her was painted in a pink glow in front of her she could just made out the brilliant red in the corner of her eye. It was eerie, but there was something to be in awe of as well.

Straightening up, Blossom was solely focused on what was before her, she could hear Miranda on her left side and then they stepped further into the dark of the underground city.

They'd been walking down this tunnel rather uneventfully, and since it was the shortest passage they quickly entered the mouth to the old town center. Blossom paused at the lip, it was pitch dark, no more weakly lit bulbs from Boomer's electric shock gift and no beams of flashlights waving around.

"Hand me a flashlight," Blossom held open her hand, part of the vast sheet of light falling away, and Miranda pulled a spare out of her pocket and handed it to the girl without resistance. "Brick?" She called for her own counterpart and the humming died down before his own footsteps came up through the small group, all of whom had begun to cluster up in the dark.

"Scouting this room?" He didn't have to look at Blossom to know that's exactly why she'd called him up.

Nodding her head she glanced over and was surprised he'd had the foresight to have a flashlight of his own already up and lit. They both exchanged a glance while Blossom said, "give us a few minutes."

Miranda held a hand up, "stay where you are, people." And the shuffling came to a stop, their heavy breathing and a few coughs were the only things to disturb the stale and dusty air.

Both teens stepped out into the large center, and immediately they flew to check the remains of the barricade, the dust had long settled and it was clear that the creatures had made it through in some places. Bricks were shattered where they shouldn't have been and there were parts that had been pushed outwards and towards the center.

"Should we block it back up?" Blossom found herself unexpectedly asking Brick this, normally she'd just take control over what she felt was necessary but he'd been involved in this too.

Surveying it closely, Brick tried to find footprints but inside he just saw what looked like long smears through the dust with a few sneaker prints from either Bubbles or Butch. "Nah, it looks like something erased a few tracks out here but it isn't going further from what I can see. They likely fled and are somewhere else, hiding out."

He knew a thing or two about hiding out, and biding your time.

"We should get to the body as soon as we can."

Hesitant, Blossom instinctually wanted to make sure that the barricade was well reinforced, but she also knew that Brick was probably right. There was nothing indicating that the creatures had ventured farther once they realized their prey was gone. "Alright."

Just to be sure they did check the several other entrances to the various tunnels down below, noticing that the building that Buttercup had torn down as they'd left this room was quite undisturbed. She could still see marks of their footsteps and felt ill when she saw the dried-up blood spots, knowing that they came from either her sister or Butch. Even one of them must have stepped in a larger puddle because there was a partial footprint in blood on one of the old bricks that was still securely in the ground.

"Clear!" She called, but didn't really yell, she knew how to project her voice. She and Brick stood by the entrance to the tunnel she and Boomer had discovered the body in while the small group filed out and took a look around for themselves. Many of these people had never seen these tunnels, if any at all. The beams of their flashlights were trying to capture everything they could, and the forensic analysts took a few photos, the flashes of their cameras nearly blinding them all in the pitch dark.

"Oh!" Reed's voice rang out, "there's blood over here!" He took a few photos with a marker beside them before picking the marker up. Matsuo began to walk over to them when Brick interrupted them from conducting further.

"That's from the injuries our siblings sustained while down here, nothing to do with the body we found."

Miranda stopped and Matsuo looked at her, she just said, "make sure to document them as such just in case we find out a person is behind some of this." Matsuo looked at Reed before motioning the man to fall back, the analyst complying quickly.

After roughly ten minutes of allowing the group to resituate themselves, Miranda gathered them to the tunnel where Blossom and Brick both stood. "So we are heading down here then?" And in response both teens ignited that glowing energy to their hands, the crackling of electricity danced over their fingers again.

Blossom instructed, "I found a toenail while walking down here, if a rat didn't make off with it then I'll be sure to get everyone to a full stop so we can get additional documentation." Reed jogged up to the two women and held his camera up with one hand. He was prepared to do so. Even though he looked a bit uncomfortable he also had an air of excitement about him, he'd probably gotten his start by being super into Cold Case Files or something similar as a kid.

Hustling the group between them, that crack of humming that emitted from their hands and created the forcefields encased the group from both sides. Brick was walking gingerly backwards and was surprised that Matsuo was warning him with every little change in the path.

"Careful, there's a brick jutting out three steps ahead of your right."

He knew this man's voice, and sure it'd been a long time, but he'd heard this man testify at their trial once they'd been caught. What sucked was, as angry as he had been at every single person testifying against them and getting them sent to that hell hole the only people he could really be mad at were himself and his brothers. Nothing those people had said wasn't true.

"You're brothers keeping their noses clean?" Matsuo asked Brick casually. Cautiously Brick flicked an eye in his direction, but the man's face was neutral and overall unreadable.

Part of him didn't want to answer but another part… "as much as two teenage boys can." A chuckle came from Matsuo, but he didn't say anything else. Brick wasn't sure why but he decided to ask a question of his own, "when did you become a lieutenant? Pretty sure you were just a cop last time we met."

"Six years ago," so somewhat before they had gotten out of juvie. Matsuo was no saint, but he'd worked his ass off to get into his position. Anyone on the force could tell you he cared about his city, but some of the old timers called him a rat. There was always something strange about being in this position of power; you either got paid off and because corrupt or you became a rat and a pariah. "There is a dip coming up behind your left foot in four steps."

Cautiously Brick noted when the dip came and didn't miss a beat, it was on his lips to ask another question since he didn't really know anything about the lieutenant or the chief but that voice was quickly quelled down. He had stayed out of the way of the law for this long, and other than this recovery mission what were the chances he was going to actually interact with these people again?

Suddenly Blossom called everyone to a halt, and one of the forensic analysts hurried to the front to snap some photos and bag something. Brick was staring out into the blackness of the tunnel that they had just passed through, his eyes were intense as he peered around. He really didn't want anything coming up at them but Butch mentioned a very distinct noise those creatures made. An inhuman clicking or rattling like sound.

So far it was just settling dust from their movements and ongoing darkness.

As they continued forward the smell began to hit them; rot, decay, festering flesh and blood. The coroners both appeared unphased, Morrison looking over at Dr. Kepner, "smells like it's been at least a week." Reed's face immediately paled and James laughed at her colleague.

"This isn't your first corpse," she remarked.

Swallowing Reed said, "no, but it's just eerie that he knows by the smell alone. That's some freaky shit."

Morrison seemed quite sullen, quipping, "it's just an estimation, we won't know until we get the body back to the morgue."

Matsuo and Brick quickly shared a look of strained irritation. But even Brick had to admit to himself that he and Buttercup had made similar conversation while down here, there wasn't much else to do.

As the smell grew increasingly potent, Blossom stopped the group and announced, "the body is in this building here," she lowered the light shield and turned on the flashlight to swing the beam around the room. She felt cold when her light landed on the remainder of Grubber's corpse, but she noted the room was just as barren as it had been before. "Clear."

Reed walked forward with the standing light and Miranda turned her own flashlight on to assist in setting it up. Miranda felt ill when she saw the state of the corpse in person, "my god…" she breathed into the stale air. As Reed flipped the light on and illuminated the room the coroners, James, and the other offers filed into the building. It was a large room with nooks and crannies, so they would have their hands full investigating and documenting.

"We do this by the book; don't rush it, I don't want to have to come down here again." Miranda commanded the scene.

Miranda turned to Blossom and Brick, who had joined them at the doorway and Blossom spoke up, "we'll keep guard out here."

Already with gloves on, Morrison and Dr. Kepner began taking photos for their own records and jotting down notes. "Getting this onto the stretcher and into the bodybag is going to be messier than I anticipated," Dr. Kepner remarked, Morrison was in agreement. Matsuo had his facemask on already and was watching them studiously.

James and Reed were going over the room with a fine tooth comb, requiring officers Santiago or Carmichael to open up any old containers before they could document further. Knowing they would be here for a while, Miranda joined the group, not wanting to be down here more than necessary.

Turning to Brick, Blossom straightened, "we should be fine back-to-back, Boomer and I didn't get farther than this point so I'm not sure what lies ahead."

"You want us to physically touch backs?" Brick said it more as annoyed but when he saw the expression on her face he raised his hands, "chill, Red, we'll do it your way."

"We are not touching," she hissed, remembering now why she found him so difficult.

Each teen stood facing into the dark of the tunnels, the bright light from the room illuminating a bit of the dark that surrounded them. Their hands each pulsed with the respective pink and red glow, ready and on alert just in case things suddenly took a turn for the worse. Blossom spoke up, "if something does come I want you to get in the entrance and block the front of this building."

Brick scoffed before he even formed a proper response in his head, "uh, complete offense, Red," he knew she would be so why bother with beating a dead horse, "but these people trust you a whole lot more than they trust me." Was he… bitter? "They'd much prefer you to defend them, plus I can distract any of those creatures and pull them further down the tunnel."

"I'm not going to have you acting as a distraction, Brick," her tone was hard and he knew what kind of face she was making.

"Well, I know I'd be damn good at it, I'm already good at distracting you." He chuckled at his own little joke but felt her left elbow clock him in his right side. "Oof-," was all he got out.

"I mean it, as much as I…," she was having a hard time saying this word, "appreciate you helping out, you're still my responsibility."

Just the thought of being someone's "responsibility" made the muscle above his left eye twitch, "I can handle myself, I don't need a babysitter."

"That's not what I meant." Sighing with frustration, Blossom just tried to calm her breath before she continued. "Remember when I said you're a citizen of Townsville? And that my job is to protect everyone in it?"

"Yeah…?"

"Well, even though we're two sides of the same coin an oath is an oath. I can't let you put yourself in danger because you think people trust me more. I know you can be a good leader," it didn't quite pain her to say it, but she'd seen his quick thinking the last time they'd been down here. He just needed to learn to control his temper. "So I know you'd make sure they would make it out of here alive."

Standing in silence for a few minutes, Brick reflected on it. Just the fact that Blossom had admitted to him being a good leader made him want to gloat, but the fact that she had to have some trust in him to even be down here with him in the first place? She could have flat out refused and Bubbles and Buttercup could be here instead, but they weren't. He'd goaded her into bringing him and she'd actually trusted him enough to know he'd follow through.

What the hell?

"For what it's worth," he started, "I couldn't do this kind of shit. Working with the law so closely, being at their beck and call, having to drop everything at the mere suggestion of a monster invasion."

Blossom moved her head slightly, trying to peer over her shoulder, she wanted to see his face. If she couldn't see his face then how else was she going to be able to tell that he was messing with her? But his words didn't come out in a mocking tone.

"So, I guess what I'm saying is you girls have a tough job," he could feel the end of her hair brush his lower back as her head moved and he found himself moving his to look over his own shoulder and look eye-to-eye with his counterpart. "You're good at what you do." He oddly enough found a small smile lift at the corner of his lips, out of all times he'd smiled at Blossom he'd never given her a genuine one.

Her eyes widened and she whipped her head back around to look into the darkness in front of her, the hot creep of a flush moving over her face. What was this? And that stupid thud in her chest started. She knew he was a good looking guy, but that little speech of his and then that smile? She was probably just really tired, it had been a long weekend and they'd been down in this tunnel for over an hour at this point.

"Thanks," her voice was wavering a bit, "that's the nicest thing you've said to me."

Brick was now looking into the dark from which they'd come and just the tinge of emotion that was in her voice made him a bit flustered, his own face flushed and glad she couldn't see him. "Don't let it go to your head though, Red. If we were still fighting in the streets I could totally kick your ass."

She was pretty grateful when he'd followed up with such a typical response that she gave a relieved 'ha' and said, "tough chance of beating me, Ruff. I've kicked your butt before and I'll do it again."

Sighing with a smile in his voice he said, "just say 'ass', you goody-two-shoes."

Surprisingly enough they had an overall pleasant time chattering here and there, nothing really serious, just more along the mundane side of things. Their last ap history exam, student council topics that were coming up, and the occasional complaint about their siblings.

"Just be glad you don't share a bathroom with Butch and Boomer, it's like they never heard of hanging up wet towels before," Brick grumbled.

With a laugh Blossom quipped, "you think that's bad? Try sharing one with two girls after you've been completely drenched in monster guts. It's a battle royale to see who gets there first."

At that moment Miranda stepped into the door entrance and Blossom turned around at attention. Brick kind of followed suit, his one leg was cocked out slightly as he turned to face the chief.

"They're finishing up with loading the remains into the body bag and then we should be good to go." Miranda was just making a note in her phone before looking back at the teens. "Everything still quiet out here?"

Before Brick could make a snarky remark Blossom was already on top of it, "still quiet."

"Do you think they moved elsewhere?" Miranda asked.

"Must've," Brick answered and Blossom looked at him surprised he'd contributed. "My brother made it pretty clear that those things hunt, and they don't do it all that quietly."

Pursing her lips, Blossom looked over at Miranda, "so this is three people that have been killed by this creature then? Are Detectives Marley and Bryant still investigating?"

Crossing her arms in thought, Miranda nodded in a small motion, "that we know of. If anyone else turns up I'll have to talk to the mayor about a city-wide curfew." That was almost a best case scenario at this point, until they knew what or where this thing was. "They are looking into seeing if there have been additional sightings or attacks, but without photos it's difficult to describe what this is. And other than you kids we don't know anyone else who has walked away from this thing."

Brick and Blossom exchanged a look; technically they hadn't actually encountered it, only Bubbles and Butch had and they'd barely gotten away. Even if Brick wouldn't verbalize it, he was worried about his brother, but the one who had the worst reaction was definitely Bubbles. She wasn't known for her bravery though so there wasn't much he could discern from that.

At that moment Matsuo stepped out, "all loaded up," he grimaced slightly, "Reed vomited when they were attempting to put the body on the stretcher though." He saw Miranda's eyes widen and he quickly followed up with, "the documentation was complete, so the crime scene was able to be released."

"Jesus Christ, I was about to go wring his neck," Miranda muttered, clearing her throat she said, "we'll follow the same formation as the way out."

The way back through the tunnels was less eventful than coming in, although now the coroners were carrying a body on the stretcher between them and Reed looked a bit green around the mouth. James kept a strong hand on his shoulder and she would occasionally pat it, like a mother comforting her kid. Rosa and Dr. Kepner were discussing how long the autopsy should be taking, of course they were right behind Blossom whose face was a bit grim.

Brick continued along with Matsuo right in front of him, and he was surprised when Matsuo asked him, "what do these things look like exactly?"

"Honestly?" Brick asked, not expecting an answer, "I don't really know, but whatever these creatures are they can cause lasting damage to even us." Not the universal "us" but the one that referred to those made with Chemical X, that made them significantly different and more durable than true humans.

"It's taking my brother time to heal and I know Red's sister only just healed up and now she's wounded again, so this isn't just dangerous to humans but also dangerous to super beings."

Thin lipped, Matsuo sucked in a breath, "right."

Approaching the large center room again, Blossom halted the group and Brick was relieved to zip over to her side, Carmichael cursed as the bright red bolt flashed by him. Blossom looked almost surprised to see Brick join her and she felt a need to explain herself, "I just want to make sure nothing has entered since we left."

"I really think those things are long gone, Red." Brick said, but clicked his own flashlight on as he ventured ahead of her to examine the room. His beam swept the area and two rats scuttled across the old paving stones and dirt, disappearing in between the slats of a condemned building.

Blossom checked down each of the tunnels, even the shorter one they needed to walk back down. It was true they hadn't explored every tunnel down here but they had found exactly who they'd come looking for. Mojo was still in a coma, but he was safe. "I think we're good," Blossom said, turning her beam back onto Brick. He squinted but nodded.

"Good, we can finally get out of here." Trudging back to the group with their own flashlights, Brick took up his caboose position. Pulling the light barrier up he had to admit that he was getting tired, he'd kept his own powers steady for over an hour at this point, not something he had to do often.

As they filed back down to the ladder and crane, Miranda was weary and asked Dr. Kepner, "do you have the right straps to get the stretcher up?"

Morrison, on the other end of the stretcher was quick to answer, "that we do, they are attached to the bottom here, though if we didn't have a stretcher we could've just put the corpse into a backpack and just climbed up." He paused, "but that would all depend on keeping the corpse level, and of course if anymore fluids come out… we don't want to lose that!"

A retching sound came from behind them and Reed paled further, "please stop, I really, really don't want to puke again."

"Do you want to go up ahead of the stretcher?" Miranda asked, mildly amused but not blaming his reaction at all.

Desperation was in his weary voice, "please."

Carmichael chuckled and Santiago elbowed the old officer, pulling his finger quickly across his own throat for him to knock it off.

Raising an eyebrow Brick mumbled to Matsuo, "are all adults just teenagers with bigger paychecks?"

Matsuo exhaled a short laugh, "not quite, some teenagers make more money than some adults."

Brick gave a little grin, at least the lieutenant had some jokes going for him.

Drawing closer to the ladder a bright beam hit the shield that Blossom was holding up and she drew back slightly, before she could say anything a female voice called out, "is that you, Chief?"

Shaking her head, Miranda indicated that she was good to lower the shield and Blossom did so. Stepping forward with her hands on her hips she sternly said, "there's no need to be so loud, Morgan." And although the woman wasn't shouting her voice did carry.

Chastened, Morgan gave a small, "sorry!" And then stepped aside to let Detective Bryant and Milo look down the hatch. The crane hitch was no longer lowered, and Miranda pointed up to it.

"We've got a body to bring back up."

"Oh! Right, one of the coroners might want to come up, we're going to have to tilt the body slightly and I don't exactly know hooooww you want to do that? Like is there a certain section to grab from or-," Milo awkwardly ended his statement by gesturing awkwardly with his hands.

Slightly frustrated Dr. Kepner looked over at Morrison, "After we hook the body up to the crane would you mind?" Morrison simply nodded at the doctor and they both moved forward as the crane began to lower. They each took a turn as they unhooked four straps with a metal ring on one and metal clasps on the others. Dr. Kenper reached up and grabbed the end of the hook that had been lowered by the crane, then nodded at Morrison. "Up you go, I got this."

Morrison started to reach up, his hands clasping the cold bars and his shoes pinging on the metal as he ascended. Going from each side Dr. Kepner attached ass the clasps to the metal ring and attached that ring to the hook on the crane. Looking up, he pulled on it twice and felt it was secure. "As soon as you're up you can start lifting it."

Morrison was careful not to look down as he scrambled up into the bank vault, Bryant reaching out to finish pulling the man up. Byrant turned to Milo, "fire it up, man." Happily, Milo flipped the switch and the stretcher with Grubber's remains slowly began to rise up and out of the underground.

Matsuo pointed at the remainders, "once the stretcher is in and secure start filing up." He paused as he looked around at the collective group, "in an orderly fashion." The look of desperation to get out must have been clear on Reed's face, and although they had had masks on while with the exposed body breathing in the sale air in the tunnels for close to two hours wasn't great for their lungs.

Morrison awkwardly maneuvered the stretcher in while giving Bryant directions, "no, you need to shift it to your right. No- my left, your right." But they managed to bring the stretcher in completely and Milo turned the crane to make sure it was properly placed on the marble flooring with a 'thunk' sound.

Reed was speed climbing and James shook her head and laughed, she said to Matsuo, "you wouldn't know he's a rock climber, would you?"

"If he can make an escape like that I'm surprised he doesn't do it professionally, pretty sure his feet barely touched the rails."

Miranda already had Carmichael and Dr. Kepner heading up, and she called to Brick, "Mr. Jojo, I think you're good." Brick finally let the glow die down in his hands, it faded slowly from his eyes and he felt lightheaded for a moment. As he turned to look at Blossom he noticed a strange look on her face. Was that-? Was that approval? He didn't need her approval.

But it kind of felt nice too, kind of like a middle finger to all the shit they had done before getting thrown into juvie.

"You two did fine work," Miranda said to both kids, and Matsuo nodded in agreement.

"We appreciate the hand."

Nodding, Miranda ascended right behind James and Santiago, Matsuo on her heels. Brick crossed his arms and looked at Blossom, "looks like we're chopped liver."

She cast a sideways glance and blew out some air, "you're unbelievable." But as the lieutenant's foot reached the top rung both teens rose into the air and back out of the entrance.

They were surprised to see two medics on the scene with oxygen masks, walking around to each individual that had been down there. Sometimes it was hard to remember that even though that air wasn't great for them that it was worse for ordinary humans. Matsuo and Miranda were writing down on some forms, the coroners were getting ready to get the stretcher out and into their van, fussing with one of the medics that they didn't need the masks.

Milo and a few other officers who had been posted outside were lowering and locking the passageway door carefully, "you need to go slow," Milo instructed, "if this comes down with two heavy of force it could cause the collapsing of an underground structure."

Blossom couldn't help but be relieved that he hadn't gone down there, if he'd seen the barricades they had thrown into place on Saturday the man would be mortified.

A quick motion caught Brick's eye and he noticed Bryant gesturing to the teens from outside the vault. Brick nudged Blossom's arm and she was ready to scowl at him but noticed he was gesturing to the tall man. Moving nimbly through the cluster of people they stepped out of the vault and Bryant gave them a brilliant white smile, "great job."

He handed them a few bucks but Blossom held her hands up, "I can't take that."

Normally Brick would have happily taken some payment for his time and efforts, but right now he just wanted to grab dinner and get into his car. Bryant shook his head, "no, it's not from the department, it's from me."

Blossom was caught off guard, "oh," then seemed to catch herself, "even more reason why I can't accept it."

Rolling his eyes, Bryant gestured at Brick, "take it. It's not much but what I had in my wallet, think of it as dinner on me."

Tentatively Brick took the couple bucks and saw for the first time it really wasn't much, maybe $27 in total, but he looked up at the tall man and gave a honest, "thanks." Then looked over at Blossom, "you heard the man, let's get something to eat. I'm starving."

"But Chief Rosa hasn't released us from our job yet," she started.

Again, Bryant made his presence known, "that's also why I brought you two out here, she still has forms to fill out so she wanted me to make sure you two didn't stick around longer than you need to."

Looking a bit miffed at this Blossom crossed her arms across her chest, "I'm not hungry anyways, but thanks." Of course as soon as the words were out of her mouth her own stomach betrayed her with a low whine. Immediately she covered her bright red face and Brick cackled at her.

"Loosen up, Red," looking back at the detective Brick give him a surprised look of approval, "thanks, Detective Bryant. We'll let you get back to work." Turning he started out down the hall, Blossom just looked at Bryant who was still smiling at her and she did an odd little half bow.

"Thank you." Before walking speedily after Brick.

Coming up upon Brick she hissed in his ear, "you shouldn't have taken that money." Brick just side eyed her and sighed.

"He wanted to do a nice thing, I let him do a nice thing and made sure he felt better about all that. Isn't that the shit you and your sisters preach about?"

Silenced, Blossom chewed the inside of her cheek, irritated that technically he was right. They'd done a campaign years ago centered around "being kind to others is the real super power!" And one of their "super tips!" had been along the lines of "pass along kind gestures! That way, everyone can feel like a superhero!" Man, it had been so easy back when they were 12-14 to say cheesy things like that, and something they honestly believed. Now if you asked the girls they'd probably be far more simple and toned down, but honest nonetheless.

Approaching the door Blossom hesitated and put her hand on Brick's arm lightly. Surprised, he stopped and looked at her, "what?"

She indicated with her head at the woman in her brightly colored suit waiting outside for them, distractedly chattering into a phone while her cameraman leaned against one of the stone pillars outside. "She's probably waiting to ambush the team that went on the recovery mission."

Looking around quickly, Brick noticed one of the officers that was standing guard, "hey, do you think I could use the bathroom on the second floor? This one down here has someone in it."

The officer looked at him curiously and shrugged, "fine, but don't touch anything."

Motioning for Blossom to follow, Brick walked back into the teller lobby and to a set of stairs that lead to the offices and accounting and legal firms that the bank housed. Blossom wasn't 100% sure but followed regardless, he was definitely lying so she knew out of morality she had to follow him. She just didn't know what he was up to.

Once they made it up the stairs, Brick began looking over through all the exposed windows, peeking around before he called out, "Red, c'mere." Crossing her arms and looking dubiously at Brick she was actually surprised he was in the alcove that housed the restrooms for the second floor, a large window letting in the dimmed streetlight was center in the wall.

"So you actually have to go to the bathroom?" She sounded incredulous which made Brick give her a wry expression. With little to no difficulty he pulled the window up and pointed to a drain spout next to it.

"I'm a bit spent so I know floating is really the only option, but you can probably slide down this sucker and our powers will at least keep us from crashing into the ground."

She looked down at her own hands and had to admit that after holding her powers in place for several hours she too was drained. Flying out wasn't an option but floating definitely was. It happened pretty naturally overall. Blossom made a face and leaned her head out the window, "I don't know about this, doesn't this seem suspicious? Or sneaky?"

Deadpan, Brick asked, "you wanna attempt to give an interview to Miss News1?"

"Fine, I know, I know." She was leaning out of the window, one leg already over the ledge as she grasped the cool metal in her hand. A second story window wouldn't normally be so terrifying but it was a bank second story, and so closer to being four stories tall. As she swung out to place the sides of her shoes on both sides of the pipe she noticed the smug look on Brick's face and she wished she was brazen enough to flip him off like Buttercup would've.

Using her remaining abilities to slow down and control her descent wasn't so bad, and she only had to look up briefly when she heard the window slam shut. Touching the ground, she quickly backed off but noticed that Brick had used only one foot and hand to control going down, of course it should've occurred he'd done something like this before. Of course.

Before he fully reached the ground he jumped off and landed next to her, crouching slightly as he kept his eyes on the alleyway that faced the main street. Now Blossom rolled her eyes, "you're looking awfully suspicious," there was a light cadence in her voice. Was she teasing him?

"Whatever, old habits die hard." Shoving his hand into one of his pockets he fished out his key while they walked down the alley and onto the still mostly blocked off street. Looking down he hit the 'unlock' button on his keyring and saw with satisfaction his lights wink not too far. Blossom seemed to be assessing her exact location. "Someone picking you up?"

"No, I'll have to catch the bus," she looked at each corner, "just wondering which line is closest to the-" but she was interrupted.

"Just hop in, I'll give you a ride," Brick was already walking over to his car but noticed she wasn't right behind him. Turning he gave her a look, "you coming or what?"

She was conflicted, but getting home quickly in a car was far more preferable to taking the bus and then the Professor to come pick her up. "Y-yeah… but don't try anything funny." She was waggling a finger at him.

"I'll obey every damn traffic law, Red, jeeze. Just get in already." He opened his door and climbed in, and after only a millisecond of hesitation Blossom did the same.

Once they were buckled up and the radio was playing some indie-type tunes, Brick pulled out of the space and slowly made his way to the barrier, raising a hand as the officer let him pass. Blossom was feeling embarrassed by the fact she was sitting in the car with Brick of all people. But she just picked at the skin around her thumbnail and gave her bangs a fluff of nervousness. Brick noticed her out the corner of his eye but said nothing for the time being.

After a few minutes of driving Blossom leaned forward and said slightly alarmed/ slightly annoyed, "this isn't how to get to my house." Whipping her head back to look at Brick in an accusatory manner she wasn't expecting him to ignore her.

"Well I'm starving, and I know you are," Blossom flushed at the betrayal of her stomach outside of the vault earlier. "And it's late, but there's a great burger stand right on the outskirts of the city and close to the highway." Now he looked at her, "is that good with you, your highness?"

Crossing her arms and forcing her back into the seat she looked out the window, "fine." But burgers did sound good.

The menu wasn't overwhelming so much as it all sounded pretty good, and although Blossom was often decisive she didn't always branch out from where she and her friends or family usually went. Plus she had time to look on the website and decide ahead of time if it was a new place.

"You know what you want yet?" Brick asked beside her, she only looked at him a little miserably and he waved her mouth shut, "any allergies?"

Looking at him curiously, Blossom said, "no."

Brushing past her and walking up to the stand, a cheerful looking man leaned out the window, "Hey! No Butch or Boom?"

"Nah, not tonight, how's the spicy slaw tonight?"

"Excellent, you know Andre is an artist." The man gave a jovial laugh before asking, "so you're havin' a little date?"

"She's not my girlfriend," Brick said with an edge to his voice, but the man smiled and raised his eyebrows.

"I didn't say she was."

"Whatever," Brick grumbled, "can I get a cheeseburger with the works, make that two actually, but hold the catsup, pickles, and mustard and can I get double bacon on one." The man was writing everything down, the smell of fried food and sizzling meat wafting out of the shack surrounded the area. "A bag of fries, side of the special BBQ sauce and-" he looked back over at Blossom, "yo, Red, what kind of milkshake do you want."

Blossom just looked blankly at him before he shook his head and returned to face the man, "one strawberry shake and one mint chip."

"That it?" The man was already handing the paper to one of the cooks behind him.

"Yeah, that's all for now."

"$16.75"

"Damn, Miguel, you're robbing us blind here," Brick joked as he pulled out the cash that the detective gave them but forced all of it into the man's hand. "Keep the rest, guess I'm feeling generous tonight."

Miguel laughed as he took the money and put the change into the tip jar, "I'd be generous too if I had a pretty girl like that on my arm tonight."

Blossom felt her face heat up and she turned away from the man's jovial laughter, Brick just felt his fist tighten, but why? Giving a half laugh, "you're too ugly for that, man."

"That's not what your mother said last night!"

"You better pray you don't meet my 'mother'." Brick raised his hand before turning to walk over to Blossom, "pick a table, usually takes about 10 minutes to make."

The parking lot next to the shack wasn't packed but there were enough cars that there were plenty of customers outside. Outside under three trees were seven picnic benches underneath and outdoor string lights crossing overhead. There weren't many people there; one table had some college kids on a double date, another sat a group of guys who were probably from one of the private schools in the city playing a card game, and a small group of friends who looked like college kids as well. Overall it wasn't too crowded.

Blossom chose a table around the edge, sitting down on the wooden bench, worn smooth from the activity of the burger shack. She was feeling self conscious and noticed a few people look over at her, it wasn't like she didn't stand out in her uniform and signature long hair and red bow.

Brick noticed that her eyes were darting around the area and he leaned over the table slightly, "chill. The folks who come here are pretty lowkey and enjoy being left alone so they can eat."

"I wasn't worried," Blossom said, straightening her back and folding her hands in front of her. Brick just rolled his eyes.

"Sure, Red."

They sat in silence for a bit before Blossom asked, "your brothers aren't worried about where you are?"

Brick looked at her skeptically, "seriously? They have their own shit to worry about, it isn't their job to worry about their leader." Blossom looked a little worried at that comment but Brick just shrugged, "plus Butch has his errand for you tonight and Boom has some presentation to finish. We'll see each other in the morning."

"I feel like my sisters are going to be right next to the front door when I get home," Blossom said, "if it was a school thing probably not so much but with it being, ah…," she gestured with her hands, "work?" She hated calling it that but tonight really had been more "work" and less "heroics" when it came down to it. "They'll want to know how it went."

Looking out towards the shack Brick nodded slightly, "I get it. The guys will have questions on the ride to school but won't get any answers until tomorrow evening after some drills."

"Drills?" She asked.

"Well," Brick started, "we don't just sit and collect dust, keeping our powers in check and fine tuned is important."

Crossing her arms with an arched eyebrow, Blossom coolly asked, "and why is that so important, hm?"

His features were flat as he looked at Blossom, the audacity, seriously. "It sure seems to have come in handy, hasn't it?" With a negative quirk of her mouth, Blossom looked to the side but didn't say anything. But being suspicious of the Rowdyruffs was second nature to her. "I'd rather be trained and prepared, living a normal life isn't exactly in the cards for any of us, you know."

At this, Brick turned his head and Miguel was waving his hand out the shack window, "be right back." Watching him walk away Blossom realized just as much as he did that they'd never get to have normal lives, and so long as the boys didn't turn into supervillains then that was a destiny she understood fully.

She was staring at her hands when Brick plopped a tray of food on the table, just by the smell Blossom's mouth was watering and she was suddenly glad that Brick had offered a ride and stopped for food first. Brick rotated the tray so one shake and burger were on each side, a paperbag of fries with grease creeping through were in the middle next to a small paper tub of a sauce she wasn't familiar with. Brick then plopped down a stack of paper napkins and took a seat. "Dig in."

The shock at seeing Blossom Utonium, little miss perfect, with BBQ sauce on the corner of her mouth and digging back into her burger was rather shocking. But with a little smile, he had to admit to himself that he'd made a good call.

Swallowing her bite she looked up at Brick, "what? Do I have something on my face?" Before he could answer though she had a napkin in her hand and wiped off her mouth, not even bothering to look at it before she dipped another fry into the shack's special sauce.

"So you like it?" Brick asked, taking another bit of his own burger.

Nodding, Blossom swallowed and took a drink from the shake, "there's seriously so much flavor, and it all tastes so fresh and the shake is light and I didn't even know spicy slaw was a thing!"

"Damn, you need to get out more then, Red." But after another bite Brick nodded in agreement. "Miguel and Andre are flavor geniuses. No one else around makes food like they do."

"They should open a restaurant in the city," Blossom said, "they'd have so much business, might even be able to open a few locations…," but she saw the look on Brick's face. Kind of humored but also like he was pitying her?

"What's that look for?" Blossom put her burger back down on the paper container.

Taking a sip of his shake, Brick shook his head, "they do have a restaurant."

Peering over at the shack Blossom looked a bit skeptical, "kind of."

"Trust me, they do." Brick leaned over the table, "these guys used to work in hotshot kitchens, Andre was a sous chef in LA for one of the best steakhouses, and Miguel was a bartender there." Popping a fry into his mouth Brick paused and swallowed, "they got sick of the kind of selling out and shortcuts that places like that made so they ventured off and after trying different dishes found what worked for them and opened this place."

Leaning back in his seat Brick said, "they do it 'cause they love it and it makes people happy. They aren't super rich but they're well off and have great relationships with their vendors and customers. You won't find two happier guys."

"So they get to do what they love without burning out." Blossom concluded.

Giving a nod and taking another sip from his shake Brick quickly added, "they have time with their families and they have full quality control."

After a few more minutes of eating Blossom asked Brick, "did they tell you all that?"

Without making any strange gestures Brick said, "I mean, I asked them. I thought like you that they needed a place in the city, but they explained why they picked a small location here in a lower income area. The guys even hold fundraisers for the community."

Thoughtfully, Blossom felt herself look over at the shack without really seeing it. To just be content and happy with what you did, enough to give back when you can… she was always striving to be the best, and she wanted to study her passions but she also knew that not saving the world wasn't really an option for her future. At least not one that she could see.

Wiping off his mouth and tossing the used napkin into the empty paper basket, Brick said, "you about ready?"

Looking back to Brick, Blossom noticed she'd already finished her burger and they had both devoured the fries. She took a last sip of her shake before wiping off her mouth and standing up. "Ready when you are."

Pulling up in front of the Utonium residence, Blossom was surprised it was almost 11, she probably could have flown after the burger but it had been relaxing to sit in the car and just listen to music and the sound of cars flying past on the highway.

Hopping out she walked around the front of the car to go up the walkway when Brick's voice rang out, "hold up for a sec, Red." Stopping and turning to look at him, Blossom watched him get out of the car and walk over to her. He seemed almost nervous, not his usual cocky self.

"You think the guys and I can come see Mojo on Sunday? I know he won't be awake or anything but-,"

"Of course, I'm sure the Professor won't mind at all."

Brick was surprised at how quickly and easily Blossom had responded to him, but a nasty weight of a worry had been lifted from his shoulders. "Thanks, what time do you think?"

Lifting her hand and tapping her lower lip with her index finger, Blossom gave it a brief thought but knew she didn't have anything concrete, "I'm not sure but I'll let you know later."

"Before you go," Brick said, holding his hand out, "let me put my number in your phone. The Professor gave us yours but this way you can just text me." With just a fraction of hesitation Blossom began to reach for her phone and was still eyeing Brick up as she unlocked it and handed it over.

As he began punching his number in he chuckled, "chill, Red, I'm not gonna mass text your nudes out."

Why that! Ugh! "Brick Jojo, you are an absolute scoundrel and incorrigible." She punctuated this with a huff and her hands on her hips.

With a laugh, Brick just handed her back her phone and gave a short wave as he turned to get back in his car, "and don't forget it, Red." She watched him as he pulled off in his car, shaking her head.

Whipping around, Blossom finished marching up the steps and was just about to push the door open when she heard two unmistakable streaks. Narrowing her eyes, Blossom opened the door and shut it behind her. Removing her shoes in the entrance she peered around before Bubbles popped her head out of the doorway.

"Oh! Blossy! You're home."

"Blossoms home?" Buttercup's slightly gruff voice came from the steps as she came down towards the lower level and leaned against the railing. "How did it go?"

Suspiciously, Blossom said, "fine…, it was quiet. Think the creatures moved so we'll need to be diligent."

"Uh-huh, yeah," Buttercup replied nonchalantly.

Bubbles was on the other side. "Sounds good, uh-huh…"

Putting her shoes into the closet Blossom sighed and crossed her hands across her chest, "what's going on with you two?"

"Nothing, nothing," Buttercup's voice was oddly high as she walked down the rest of the steps, her hands behind her back.

"Yeah, nothing," and Bubbles seemed to be blocking Blossom from the rest of the house.

She was about to open her mouth when Buttercup practically leapt in spot and pointed a finger at her, "nothing except your betrayal of arriving in Brick's car! Looking happy!"

Bubbles hand her fingers laced and rocked on her toes, "awh, stop, Buttercup, I'm glad Blossom went on a date!"

"It wasn't a date!" Blossom yelled back at her sisters, dodging Bubbles trying to wrap her arms around her, and dipping under Buttercup as she jumped into the living room.

"C'mon, Blossom! What did you two do? Chief Rosa called and was surprised you weren't home." Bubbles was pouting, Buttercup just gave a disgusted face.

"They were probably making out," smirking through her answer.

"Awwww," Bubbles started.

Twisting her face up, Buttercup said, "ew, don't be gross."

"It was not a date!" Blossom hollered, "I'm getting in the shower and you two should be in bed." Turning on her heel, Blossom marched up the stairs, "goodnight!"

Bubbles and Buttercup just looked at each other when a tall blonde woman popped out of the kitchen, Dr. Stark laughing as she headed back to the lab, "so I guess it wasn't a date."

Bubbles glared at Buttercup who shrugged, "we'll get the truth out eventually." Couldn't say that the sisters weren't determined to both mess with, and poke at their beloved commander and leader.

~ o ~ o ~ o ~ o ~

~ o ~ o ~ o ~ o ~

Wednesday, end of January 20XX

Leaning back in his chair, Boomer eyed up the history paper he'd just bullshitted partially through. It wasn't due until Friday but he just wanted to get it done. He'd hit the main point well before reaching the word count, so the bullshittery was mostly a lot of filler. Minimizing the screen, he was about to head downstairs when he heard a specific 'bing' from his laptop. Moving the mouse he opened his mailbox but noticed it wasn't his personal one, but the email account for their 'business.'

Scooting in closer to his desk Boomer leaned over and opened the email, popping some blue light glasses onto his face he scanned the email quickly, his eyes jumping from line to line. Scooting his chair away from the desk he called out, "yo! Brick! Butch! We got an email!"

He rolled his chair back in as Brick came into the doorway, Butch not far behind him. Boomer gestured at the email and Brick leaned over to read the email himself, Butch leaned in the doorway with his arms crossed. All three were quiet, the faint sounds of the tv coming from downstairs, Marion had retired to her own portal spot earlier that evening and wasn't contributing to any sounds, and the night was silence save for the sounds of nature outside.

"So what is it, boss?" Butch had been a little edgy since Monday night, so the fact he was taking an interest in anything was a relief.

Brick straightened up, "looks like someone has a recovery mission for us; a few by the looks of it over the next few weeks."

Boomer was back on his laptop and getting ready to reply, attaching their pay rates and contract for the person to look at. Brick noticed this and nodded at Boomer, "I'll meet him Friday night, let Mr. Blaine and Mr. Barton know they can pick 8:30pm or 9:00pm, they can let us know where."

With that he turned and marched out of the room, Butch watching him as Boomer began typing up a reply. Without moving from the doorway Butch asked, "who're these guys?"

Boomer just shrugged, "guess we'll find out. You think Brick will want you patrolling outside of the building and waiting for him."

"Probably." Without another word Butch exited the room to leave Boomer to conduct this first step when it came to new clients.